Visas issued to IBA 4-member delegation to Sri Lanka withdrawn on the detection of inaccurate information

On the detection of inaccurate information filed in the Visa applications filed by the 4-member International Bar Association (IBA) delegation, led to the withdrawal of their visas.

Also it has been cautioned of the ‘intimidatory behavior on the part of one of the IBA delegates directed at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London as unbecoming.

Ministry of External Affairs in the press release said, “Considering the prestigious reputation of the IBA, it would be expected that the organization would scrupulously adhere to the rules and regulations governing a country’s visa regime.”

However, inaccurate information filed in the visa applications to enter Sri Lanka by the members of the International Bar Association, led the Sri Lanka Government to ‘withdraw visas issued through the ETA system for 3 applicants and the other by a diplomatic mission.’

Press release noted, “In keeping with the Government of Sri Lanka’s interest in transparency, bona-fide applications for visits of this nature are processed with objectivity. However, in keeping with universal practice, appropriate action would be taken in the event there is a misrepresentation of information by a visa applicant, Ministry of External Affairs pointed out.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of External Affairs revealed that “Following the detection of inaccurate information contained in the visa applications of the 4 member delegation representing the International Bar Association (IBA), which had unilaterally scheduled a visit to Sri Lanka, the Government of Sri Lanka was constrained to withdraw their visas.

Accordingly, press release went on to add that “It may be noted that the Business Visa category which had been applied for in the case of 3 persons were issued on the basis of the purpose of the visit being reflected as Conferences, Workshops and Seminars, while the 4th person had been issued a gratis visa and the purpose of the visit being cited as 'Private'.”

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of External Affairs, pointed out, "subsequently, it came to light that the stated purpose for the visit in the applications was not in conformity with the actual nature of the visit. "

“In fact, there were media reports to the effect that this is an international fact finding delegation with a mandate to probe and prepare a report on the recent impeachment of the former Chief Justice. Further, one of the delegates is on record stating that the delegation would be interviewing, in this regard, members of the Judiciary, Government functionaries, Members of Parliament and the local community”, the press release revealed.

The press release further pointed out that “This demonstrates that the visit was not for the purpose of attending Conferences, Workshops and Seminars but undertaking activity surreptitiously which is of an intrusive nature to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.